Nuggets Acquire Iverson from 76ers

7-time All-Star and former NBA MVP comes to Denver

DENVER, Dec. 19 -- The Denver Nuggets have acquired G Allen Iverson and F Ivan McFarlin from the Philadelphia 76ers in exchange for G Andre Miller, F Joe Smith and two first round draft picks, team Vice President of Basketball Operations Mark Warkentien announced today.

“This is an exciting day for the Denver Nuggets,” said Warkentien. “It’s not often that you have a chance to acquire a talent like Allen Iverson. No one plays with more passion, desire and a will to win than A.I. We want to thank our owner and leader, Stan Kroenke, for once again showing his commitment to bringing an NBA championship contender to Denver. We think this move takes us one step closer to that ultimate goal. We want to thank Andre and Joe for everything they’ve done for the Nuggets. Andre is playing at an All-Star level right now and Joe is the consummate professional. It’s tough to see guys like that go.”

Iverson, 6-0, 165, has averaged 31.2 ppg in 15 games this season - second in the NBA only to new teammate Carmelo Anthony (31.6). He has averaged 28.1 ppg, 6.1 apg, 3.9 rpg and 2.33 spg in 697 games during his 11-year career – all with the 76ers. He has led the NBA in scoring four times (2004-05, 2001-02, 2000-01, 1998-99), joining Michael Jordan (10), Wilt Chamberlain (seven) and George Gervin (four) as the only players in NBA history to capture four or more scoring titles.

Iverson has averaged more than 30 ppg in a season four times, including a career-best 33.0 ppg in 2005-06. His career scoring average is the third-highest in NBA history and he ranks 32nd on the NBA’s all-time scoring list with 19,583 points. He has appeared in 62 career playoff games, averaging 30.6 ppg, 6.1 apg, 4.2 rpg and 2.19 spg. He helped the 76ers reach the 2001 NBA Finals, where they fell to the L.A. Lakers in five games.

Iverson’s list of accolades is long and distinguished. He was named 2001 NBA MVP and has been named All-NBA seven times (three First Team: 1999, 2001, 2005; three Second Team: 2000, 2002, 2003; one Third Team: 2006). He has appeared in seven All-Star Games (starting each one) and was twice named All-Star Game MVP (2001, 2005).

In addition, he holds 19 NBA Player of the Week honors and was a co-captain for Team USA at the 2004 Olympics in Athens, Greece.

McFarlin, 6-8, 240, has averaged 1.4 ppg in 11 games as a rookie with the 76ers this season.

Miller signed with the Nuggets as a free agent on Aug. 1, 2003. He averaged 13.0 ppg, 9.1 apg, 4.5 rpg and 1.61 spg in 23 games for the Nuggets this season. In three-plus seasons in Denver, Miller averaged 14.0 ppg, 7.3 apg and 4.3 rpg. He has played in all 269 possible games with the Nuggets and his consecutive games played streak of 309 ranks as the second-longest active streak in the NBA. He has averaged 14.1 ppg, 7.6 apg and 4.2 rpg in 594 career games with the Nuggets, L.A. Clippers and Cavaliers.

Smith was acquired in a trade with Milwaukee on Aug. 10, 2006. He has averaged 5.1 ppg and 3.6 rpg in 11 games with the Nuggets this season. The 12-year veteran has averaged 12.3 ppg and 7.1 rpg in 762 career games with six different teams.

STATEMENT FROM ALLEN IVERSON

“I’m very happy about the trade. Denver’s style of play fits my strengths. I’m looking forward to playing with Carmelo, the rest of the Denver Nuggets, and for George Karl, who is a proven winner.

“I’d like to thank my fans in Philadelphia. They’ve been with me every step of the way, through all the ups and downs.

“I will always be grateful to the 76ers organization, and I wish them the very best.”